Seals for closet collars
In various embodiments, an apparatus includes a toilet horn receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. A sealing rim is positioned at an upper end of the toilet horn receptacle, and at least a portion of the sealing rim extends inwardly from the upper end of the toilet horn receptacle towards a center axis of the sealing rim. A funnel extends from the lower end of the toilet horn receptacle, and a channel wall circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle. The channel wall and at least the toilet horn receptacle form a continuous annular receptacle. A foam sealing component is disposed in the continuous annular receptacle such that an inner wall of the foam sealing component circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle and such that the channel wall circumscribes at least a portion of an outer wall of the foam sealing component.
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This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to and the benefit of, U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/791,950 entitled “SEALS FOR CLOSET COLLARS” filed on Oct. 24, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/407,620 filed on Jan. 17, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/974,918 filed on Aug. 23, 2013. This application is also related to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/771,773 filed on Feb. 20, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/600,794 filed on Feb. 20, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/667,377 filed on Jul. 2, 2012. Each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDA closet collar facilitates a connection between a toilet and a drain pipe. The closet collar may retain bolts that are used to fasten the toilet to the floor. Due to various circumstances, the closet collar may be installed at various levels with respect to the top surface of the floor. As a result, it may be difficult to install a toilet without a leaky seal.
Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
19A-19B are drawings of a twelfth example of a sealing assembly for one or more of the closet collar installations of
With reference to
The closet collar 100 comprises a closet collar flange 109 that serves as a connection point between the closet collar 100 and the toilet. In this regard, toilet bolts may attach the toilet to the closet collar flange 109 of the closet collar 100. In the embodiment shown in
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The sealing assembly 200 is configured to facilitate the formation of one or more seals for the closet collar 100 and/or the toilet. In the embodiment shown in
The toilet horn receptacle 206 is configured to receive the toilet horn that is located on the bottom of the toilet. The sealing rim can be positioned at a first end of the toilet horn receptacle wall 207 as illustrated in the example of
The funnel 209 is a portion of the sealing assembly 200 that is configured to be inserted into the passageway of the closet collar 100. The funnel 209 can comprise a transition 210 between a second end of the toilet horn receptacle wall 207 and a lower portion of the funnel 209. As shown in the example of
The ears 216a-126b may be attached to the channel wall 203 and may facilitate attaching the end of the channel wall 203 to the closet collar 100. To this end, the ears 216a-216b may include openings through which respective toilet bolts can be inserted.
In the embodiment shown in
According to various embodiments, one or more sealing components 226 may be disposed in the channel 223. As non-limiting examples, petrolatum, wax, foam, rubber, a sealed bladder, and/or any other suitable material can be disposed in the channel 223, which can adhere to at least one surface of the channel 233. In the embodiment shown in
With reference to
As shown, the sealing assembly 200 has been positioned over the closet collar 100. It is noted that the sealing component 226 contained in the channel 223 of the sealing assembly 200 has not yet been deformed or extruded from the channel 223. In this regard, the sealing component 226 has the same shape and form as the sealing component 226 shown in
The toilet bolts 309a-309b that extend through the closet collar flange 109 of the closet collar 100 have been inserted through the corresponding ears 216a-216b. Inserting the toilet bolts 309a-309b through the corresponding ears 216a-216b may facilitate the proper alignment of the sealing assembly 200 with respect to the closet collar 100.
As shown, the toilet 300 is positioned over the sealing assembly 200 so that the toilet horn 303 is aligned with the toilet horn receptacle 206. Additionally, toilet bolt receptacles 313a-313b in the toilet 300 are aligned with the corresponding toilet bolts 309a-309b.
With reference to
The toilet bolts 309a-309b may be inserted into the ears 216a-216b so that the end of the channel wall 203 that is near the ears 216a-216b may maintain contact with the closet collar flange 109 of the closet collar 100. Additionally, because the funnel 209 and the toilet horn receptacle 206 have been forced towards the drain pipe 106, the channel wall 203 may be flexed about the bend 219 and/or at other locations.
Thus, the sealing assembly 200 has been compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar 100. As a result, a portion of the sealing component 226 has been extruded by the sealing assembly 200 into the region between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100 as shown.
With reference to
Because the toilet horn receptacle 206 has been forced further towards the drain pipe 106, the funnel 209 has also been forced further into the closet collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106. Since the funnel 209 and the toilet horn receptacle 206 have been forced further towards the drain pipe 106, the channel wall 203 has been flexed further about the bend 219 and/or at other locations.
Thus, the sealing assembly 200 has been further compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar 100. As a result, more of the sealing component 226 has been extruded from the sealing assembly 200 to the region between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100, as compared to that shown in
With reference now to
With reference to
The sealed bladder 500 may contain various substances according to various embodiments. For example, the sealed bladder 500 may contain air, water, petrolatum, wax, gel, and/or any other suitable substance. Additionally, in various embodiments, the substance contained within the sealed bladder 500 can be a sealant that is configured to seal the sealed bladder 500 if the sealed bladder 500 ruptures.
When the sealing assembly 200 in the embodiment of
With reference to
The hoop 600 may provide structural support for the end of the channel wall 203 that forms the outer edge of the channel wall 203. The hoop 600 may also facilitate forming and maintaining a seal for the closet collar 100. In this regard, the hoop 600 may restrict the end of the channel wall 203 from deforming when the sealing assembly 200 is compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar flange 109. Thus, the hoop may facilitate maintaining the end of the channel wall 203 against the closet collar flange 109. In turn, this may prevent the sealing component 226 from being forced out between the sealing assembly 200 and the closet collar flange 109. As a result, the sealing component 226 may be forced down between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The sealing assembly flange 900 may provide structural support for the end of the channel wall 203 that is near the sealing assembly flange 900. The sealing assembly flange 900 may also facilitate forming and maintaining a seal for the closet collar 100. In this regard, the sealing assembly flange 900 may restrict the end of the channel wall 203 from deforming when the sealing assembly 200 is compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar flange 109. Thus, the sealing assembly flange 900 may facilitate maintaining the end of the channel wall 203 against the closet collar flange 109. In turn, this may prevent the sealing component 226 from being forced out between the sealing assembly 200 and the closet collar flange 109. As a result, the sealing component 226 may be forced down between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100.
With reference to
As shown in
When the toilet 300 is installed over the sealing assembly 200 and the ring 1006, the ring 1006 in conjunction with the sealing assembly flange 900 may restrict the end of the channel wall 203 from deforming when the sealing assembly 200 is compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar 100. Thus, the ring 1006 in conjunction with the sealing assembly flange 900 may facilitate maintaining the end of the channel wall 203 against the closet collar flange 109. In turn, this may prevent the sealing component 226 from being forced out between the sealing assembly 200 and the closet collar flange 109. As a result, the sealing component 226 may be forced down between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100.
With reference to
The sealing assembly 1101 in the embodiment shown in
In alternative embodiments, the sealing assembly 1101 may comprise or be associated with various types of components and/or features. For example, the sealing assembly 1101 may comprise or be associated with a sealing assembly flange 900, multiple sealing components 226a-226b, a hoop 600, a sealed bladder 500, a cover 700, a ring 1006, and/or another type of component and/or feature.
When the sealing assembly 1101 is in the configuration shown in
With reference to
As shown, the sealing assembly 1101 has been positioned over the closet collar 100. It is noted that the sealing component 226 contained in the channel 223 of the sealing assembly 1101 has not yet been deformed or extruded from the channel 223. In this regard, the sealing component 226 has the same shape and form as the sealing component 226 shown in
The toilet bolts 309a-309b that extend through the closet collar flange 109 of the closet collar 100 have been inserted through the corresponding ears 216a-216b. Inserting the toilet bolts 309a-309b through the corresponding ears 216a-216b facilitates the proper alignment of the sealing assembly 1101 with respect to the closet collar 100. Thus, the toilet 300 is positioned over the sealing assembly 1101 so that the toilet horn 303 is aligned with the toilet horn receptacle 206. Additionally, the toilet bolt receptacles 313a-313b in the toilet 300 are aligned with the corresponding toilet bolts 309a-309b.
With reference to
Thus, the sealing assembly 1101 has been compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar 100. As a result, the sealing component 226 has been extruded and forced downward from the sealing assembly 1101 to the region between the sealing assembly 1101 and the closet collar 100. Thus, liquids and/or gasses may be prevented from passing between the sealing assembly 1101 and the closet collar 100.
With reference to
The sealing assembly 1301 that is shown in
The pipe extension 1300 may be relatively rigid as compared to other portions of the sealing assembly 1301. To this end, the thickness of the sealing assembly 1301 that forms the pipe extension 1300 may be greater than other portions of the sealing assembly 1301. Additionally or alternatively, a rigid hoop, plastic pipe section, or other type of component may be embedded within the portion of the sealing assembly 1301 that forms the pipe extension 1300 to make the pipe extension 1300 relatively rigid. In alternative embodiments, a rigid hoop or other type of component may be attached to the interior or exterior surface of the portion of the sealing assembly 1301 that forms the pipe extension 1300.
In alternative embodiments, the sealing assembly 1301 may comprise or be associated with various types of components and/or features. For example, the sealing assembly 1101 may comprise or be associated with a sealing assembly flange 900, multiple sealing components 226a-226b, a hoop 600, a sealed bladder 500, a cover 700, a ring 1006, and/or another type of component and/or feature.
With reference to
As shown, the sealing assembly 1301 has been positioned over the closet collar 100. It is noted that the sealing component 226 contained in the channel 223 of the sealing assembly 1301 has not yet been deformed or extruded from the channel 223. In this regard, the sealing component 226 has the same shape and form as the sealing component 226 shown in
When the sealing assembly 1301 is positioned on the closet collar 100 before the toilet 300 is installed, the pipe extension 1300 is positioned above the funnel 209 and the channel 223. Additionally, the toilet horn receptacle 206 is positioned above the pipe extension 1300 and the funnel 209. The toilet bolts 309a-309b that extend through the closet collar flange 109 have been inserted through the corresponding ears 216a-216b. Inserting the toilet bolts 309a-309b through the corresponding ears 216a-216b facilitates the proper alignment of the sealing assembly 1301 with respect to the closet collar 100. Thus, the toilet 300 is positioned over the sealing assembly 1301 so that the toilet horn 303 is aligned with the toilet horn receptacle 206. Additionally, the toilet bolt receptacles 313a-313b in the toilet 300 are aligned with the corresponding toilet bolts 309a-309b.
With reference to
Because the toilet horn receptacle 206 has been forced further towards the drain pipe 106, the funnel 209 has also been forced further into the closet collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106. Since the funnel 209 and the toilet horn receptacle 206 have been forced further towards the drain pipe 106, the channel wall 203 has flexed further about the bend 219 and/or at other locations. Thus, the sealing assembly 1301 has been further compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar 100. As a result, at least a portion of the sealing component 226 has been extruded from the sealing assembly 1301 to the region between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100. Thus, liquids and/or gasses may be prevented from passing between the sealing assembly 1301 and the closet collar 100.
With reference to
The sealing assembly 1501 in the embodiment shown in
Additionally, a ring 1006 is associated with the sealing assembly 1501. The ring 1006 may comprise the ring holes 1009a-1009b or slots that are configured to receive the toilet bolts 309a-309c. The ring 1006 is configured to be positioned over the sealing assembly flange 900 as shown.
In alternative embodiments, the sealing assembly 1501 may comprise or be associated with various types of components and/or features. For example, the sealing assembly 1101 may comprise or be associated with ears 216a-216b, multiple sealing components 226a-226b, a hoop 600, a sealed bladder 500, a cover 700, and/or another type of component and/or feature.
With reference to
As shown, the sealing assembly 1501 has been positioned over the closet collar 100. It is noted that the sealing component 226 contained in the channel 223 of the sealing assembly 1501 has not yet been deformed or extruded from the channel 223. In this regard, the sealing component 226 has the same shape and form as the sealing component 226 shown in
When the sealing assembly 1501 is positioned on the closet collar 100 before the toilet 300 has compressed the sealing assembly 1501, the entire funnel 209 is positioned between the channel 223 and the toilet horn receptacle 206. Additionally, the toilet bolts 309a-309b that extend through the closet collar flange 109 of the closet collar 100 have been inserted through the ring holes 1009a-1009b. Inserting the toilet bolts 309a-309b through the corresponding ring holes 1009a-1009b facilitates the proper alignment of the ring 1006 and the sealing assembly 1501 with respect to the closet collar 100. The toilet 300 is then positioned over the sealing assembly 1501 so that the toilet horn 303 is aligned with the toilet horn receptacle 206. Additionally, the toilet bolt receptacles 313a-313b in the toilet 300 are aligned with the corresponding toilet bolts 309a-309b.
With reference to
Because the toilet horn receptacle 206 has been forced further towards the drain pipe 106, the funnel 209 has also been forced further into the closet collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106. Since the end of the channel wall 203 is attached to the closet collar flange 109, the portion of the sealing assembly 1501 that forms the funnel 209 has folded as shown, thereby shortening the length of the funnel 209. Additionally, the funnel 209 is forced into the closet collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, the channel wall 203 is also forced into the closet collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106, thereby forcing the sealing component 226 to extrude from the channel 223 to the region between the channel 223 and the closet collar 100. Thus, liquids and/or gases may be prevented from passing between the closet collar 100 and the sealing assembly 1501.
With reference to
The sealing assembly 1701 in the embodiment shown in
In various embodiments, the sealing assembly 1701 may comprise or be associated with various types of components and/or features. For example, the sealing assembly 1701 may comprise or be associated with ears 216a-216b, a sealing assembly flange 900, multiple sealing components 226a-226b, a hoop 600, a sealed bladder 500, a cover 700, a ring 1006, and/or another type of component and/or feature.
With reference to
As shown, the toilet 300 has been positioned on the sealing assembly 1701 and lowered towards the finished floor 103. As a result, the sealing rim 213 has been flexed around the toilet horn 303 and forced downward towards the closet collar 100. As a result, the sealing rim 213 may make a seal with respect to the toilet 300.
Lowering the toilet 300 has also forced the toilet horn receptacle 206 and the funnel 209 of the sealing assembly 1701 downward towards the closet collar 100. As a result, at least a portion of the sealing component 226 may be extruded and forced into the region between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100 because the sealing component 226 is positioned between the sealing assembly 1701 and the closet collar 100. The funnel 209 may restrict at least a portion of the sealing component 226 from being forced into the passageway for the drain pipe 106 and interfering with waste that passes through the funnel 209 to the drain pipe 106. Additionally, at least a portion of the sealing component 226 may be extruded and forced radially outward away from the funnel 209, as shown.
With reference to
With reference to
The shell 1903 may surround at least a portion of the sealing component 226. According to various embodiments, the shell 1903 may comprise, for example, plastic, paper, and/or any other type of suitable material. The shell 1903 in various embodiments may comprise an outer wall 1906, an inner wall 1909 (not visible in
The shell 1903 may include one or more lines 1916a-1916e that may circumscribe at least a portion of the outer wall 1906. The lines 1916a-1916e may comprise perforations, cuts, relatively thin wall thicknesses, or any type of feature that facilitates the shell 1903 being collapsed as will be described below.
With reference to
As shown, the sealing component 226 with the shell 1903 has been positioned on the closet collar flange 109, and the sealing assembly 1701 has been poisoned on the shell 1903 with the funnel 209 inserted into the opening of the sealing component 226. As such, the bottom of the sealing component 226 and the shell 1903 may contact the closet collar flange 109. Additionally, it is noted that the sealing component 226 and the shell 1903 have not yet been deformed from the form shown in
As shown, the toilet 300 has been positioned over the sealing assembly 1701 so that the toilet horn 303 is aligned with the toilet horn receptacle 206. Additionally, the toilet bolt receptacles 313a-313b in the toilet 300 are aligned with the corresponding toilet bolts 309a-309b.
With reference to
Additionally, the toilet 300 has forced the sealing assembly 1701 downward towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, at portion of the sealing component 226 has been forced into the region between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100. Additionally, the lowering of the toilet 300 has forced the shell 1903 to be compressed between the sealing assembly 1701 and the closet collar flange 109. As shown, the shell 1903 may collapse when compressed between the closet collar flange 109 and the sealing assembly 1701. In this regard, the shell 1903 may crack, fold, crumple, and/or flex about one or more of the lines 1916a-1916e when compressed between the sealing assembly 1701 and the closet collar flange 109. In this way, the shell 1903 may restrict at least a portion of the sealing component 226 from being forced out between the sealing assembly 1701 and the closet collar flange 109. Additionally, the shell 1903 may not prevent the sealing assembly 1701 from being lowered into the desired installed position.
With reference to
Furthermore, more of the sealing component 226 has been forced into the region between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100. Some of the sealing component 226 may also be forced radially outward away from the funnel 209 and over the closet collar flange 109. Thus, liquids and/or gases may be prevented from passing between the sealing assembly 1701 and the toilet 300.
As shown, the shell 1903 has collapsed due to the toilet 300 being lowered into the position shown. Because the lines 1916a-1916e (not shown in
With reference to
The sealing assembly 2101 shown in
The ring 1006 in the embodiment shown in
In various embodiments, the ring 1006 may also comprise slots 2109a-2109b or ring holes 1009a-1009b through which the toilet bolts 309a-309b may be inserted. By having slots 2109a-2109b instead of ring holes 1009a-1009b, toilet bolts 309a-309b with various diameters and/or that are positioned at various distances from the center of the closet collar 100 may be compatible with the ring 1006.
Various embodiments of the sealing assembly 2101 may or may not use the sealing assembly adapter 2103. Various portions of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 may be flexible or rigid. As such, the sealing assembly adapter 2103 may be constructed of, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC) rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic, neoprene, foam rubber, silicone, and/or any other suitable material. The sealing assembly adapter 2103 may be used, for example, in cases in which the distance between the finished floor 103 and the closet collar flange 109 is relatively large. In such cases, the sealing assembly adapter 2103 may facilitate forming a seal for the closet collar 100 while also maintaining a seal against the toilet 300.
In alternative embodiments, the sealing assembly adapter 2103 may be an integrally molded portion of the sealing assembly 2101. In this regard, the sealing assembly adapter 2103 and the sealing assembly 2101 may form a unitary component. In such embodiments, the sealing assembly adapter 2103 may be separated from the sealing assembly 2101 by a user tearing, cutting, or separating the sealing assembly adapter 2103 from the sealing assembly 2101 in any other suitable fashion.
The sealing assembly adapter 2103 in various embodiments may comprise an adapter funnel 2113, an adapter toilet horn receptacle 2116, an adapter sealing rim 2119, and/or other features. The adapter funnel 2113 is a portion of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 that is configured to insert into the passageway of the sealing assembly 2101 that is formed by the toilet horn receptacle 206 and/or the funnel 209 of the sealing assembly 2101. Additionally, the adapter funnel 2113 forms a passageway through which waste from the toilet 300 can flow. The adapter funnel 2113 may be a portion of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 that is relatively rigid as compared to one or more other portions of the sealing assembly adapter 2103.
The adapter toilet horn receptacle 2116 may be a portion of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 that is configured to receive the toilet horn 303 that is located on the bottom of the toilet 300. The adapter sealing rim 2119 may be a portion of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 that is configured to contact the toilet horn 303 and to form a seal for the toilet 300. As such, the portion of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 that forms the adapter sealing rim 2119 may be relatively flexible as compared to other portions of the sealing assembly adapter 2103.
With reference to
As shown in
The toilet bolts 309a-309b that extend through the closet collar flange 109 of the closet collar 100 have been inserted through the slots 2109a-2009b of the ring 1006. Inserting the toilet bolts 309a-309b through the corresponding slots 2109a-2009b may facilitate the proper alignment of the sealing assembly 2101 with respect to the closet collar 100.
As shown, the adapter funnel 2113 of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 has been inserted into the toilet horn receptacle 206 of the sealing assembly 2101. To this end, at least a portion of the sealing rim 213 of the sealing assembly 2101 has been flexed downward towards the drain pipe 106.
Additionally, the toilet 300 is positioned over the sealing assembly adapter 2103 so that the toilet horn 303 is aligned with the adapter toilet horn receptacle 2116. Furthermore, the toilet bolt receptacles 313a-313b in the toilet 300 are aligned with the corresponding toilet bolts 309a-309b.
With reference to
As shown, the toilet 300 has also forced the sealing assembly adapter 2103 downward towards the drain pipe 106. The toilet 300 may force the sealing assembly adapter 2103 downward by, for example, being pressed against the adapter sealing rim 2119 and/or the portion of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 that forms the adapter toilet horn receptacle 2116. In response, the sealing assembly adapter 2103 has forced the sealing rim 213 and the toilet horn receptacle 206 of the sealing assembly 2101 downward towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, the sealing rim 213 has made a seal with respect to the sealing assembly adapter 2103. Thus, liquids and/or gases may be prevented from passing between the sealing assembly 2101, the sealing assembly adapter 2103, and the toilet 300.
Because the sealing assembly adapter 2103 has forced the toilet horn receptacle 206 further towards the drain pipe 106, the funnel 209 has also been forced further into the closet collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106. In turn, the channel wall 203 has been flexed about the bend 219 and/or at other locations. Thus, the sealing assembly 2101 has been compressed between the sealing assembly adapter 2103 and the closet collar 100. As a result, the sealing component 226 has been extruded from the sealing assembly 2101 to the region between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100. Thus, liquids and/or gases may be prevented from passing between the sealing assembly 2101 and the closet collar 100.
With reference to
Beginning at number 2303, the sealing assembly 200, 1101, 1301, 1501, 1701, or 2101 is positioned on the closet collar 100. Next, the toilet 300 is positioned over the sealing assembly 200, 1101, 1301, 1501, 1701, or 2101 as shown at number 2306. The sealing assembly 200, 1101, 1301, 1501, 1701, or 2101 is then compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar 100, as indicated at number 2309. As shown at number 2313, the seal is then formed for the toilet 300 and/or the closet collar 100. In this regard, the sealing component 226 may be forced downward between the closet collar 100 and the funnel 209. For example, for embodiments in which the sealing component 226 comprises petrolatum, the petrolatum may be extruded to form a seal. As another example, if the sealing assembly 200, 1101, 1301, 1501, 1701, or 2101 comprises a sealed bladder 500, the sealed bladder 500 may be compressed and forced downward to form the seal against the closet collar 100.
It is emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.
Claims
1. A sealing apparatus, comprising:
- a flexible funnel wall;
- a flexible annular channel wall circumscribing the funnel wall;
- an upper channel wall extending between a first end of the funnel wall and the annular channel wall, where the annular channel wall, the upper channel wall, and at least a portion of the funnel wall forms a continuous annular receptacle, where the upper channel wall is substantially perpendicular to a center axis of the sealing apparatus;
- a foam sealing component disposed in the continuous annular receptacle such that an inner wall of the foam sealing component circumscribes the funnel wall and such that the annular channel wall circumscribes at least a portion of an outer wall of the foam sealing component;
- a flexible toilet horn receptacle wall extending outward from a side of the upper channel wall opposite the foam sealing component, the flexible toilet horn receptacle wall extending from a second end at the upper channel wall to a first end; and
- a sealing rim positioned at the first end of the toilet horn receptacle wall opposite the upper channel wall, wherein at least a portion of the sealing rim extends inwardly from the first end of the toilet horn receptacle wall towards and substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the sealing apparatus, the at least a portion of the sealing rim configured to contact with a horn on an underside of a toilet.
2. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the funnel wall comprises a rounded transition to the upper channel wall.
3. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper channel wall is substantially planar.
4. The sealing apparatus of claim 3, wherein a portion of the upper channel wall extends outward from the first end of the funnel wall to the second end of the toilet horn receptacle wall extending from the side of the upper channel wall.
5. The sealing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the upper channel wall extends beyond the second end of the toilet horn receptacle wall to a first end of the annular channel wall.
6. The sealing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first end of the annular channel wall is adjacent to the second end of the toilet horn receptacle wall.
7. The sealing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising first and second ears extending outward from the annular channel wall.
8. The sealing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and second ears extend radially outward from a second end of the annular channel wall.
9. The sealing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first end of the funnel wall has a first diameter and the second end of the toilet horn receptacle wall has a second diameter greater than the first diameter.
10. The sealing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sealing rim defines an opening having a third diameter that is less than the second diameter of the toilet horn receptacle wall.
11. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing rim flexes towards the upper channel wall when contacted by the horn of the toilet.
12. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the continuous annular receptacle is open at a lower end opposite the upper channel wall.
13. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the toilet horn receptacle wall tapers inward towards the center axis of the sealing apparatus from the first end to a second end.
14. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an additional sealing component configured to be positioned between the foam sealing component and a closet collar, the additional sealing component circumscribing at least a portion of the funnel wall.
15. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing apparatus is defined by a one-piece structure comprising the funnel wall, the annular channel wall, the upper channel wall, the toilet horn receptacle wall, and the sealing rim.
16. The sealing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one-piece structure is constructed of at least one of polyvinylchloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, neoprene, foam rubber, or silicone.
17. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam sealing component adheres to at least one surface of the continuous annular receptacle.
18. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam sealing component is a foam ring.
19. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the upper channel wall is configured to contact with the horn thereby compressing the foam sealing component against a closet collar flange.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Sep 16, 2019
Date of Patent: Mar 15, 2022
Patent Publication Number: 20200011042
Assignee: Danco, Inc. (Irving, TX)
Inventor: Michael J. Schuster (Shorewood, IL)
Primary Examiner: Janie M Loeppke
Application Number: 16/571,707
International Classification: E03D 11/16 (20060101); E03D 11/17 (20060101); F16L 5/10 (20060101);